by anyajulia | Sep 3, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Despite the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadhan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will continue to strike on the Lawless MILF Groups (LMGs) responsible for the attacks of the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Norte.
According to AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano, the government needs to sustain its gains and military campaign against those MILF perpetrators of un-Islamic acts in Mindanao.
However, the AFP Chief of Staff said that tactical adjustments will be made by their military commanders in field to allow non-lawless MILG groups and other Muslims to peacefully observe Ramadhan.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo assured that appropriate assistance and support will be extended to those at the evacuation centers so that they can observe Ramadhan unhampered. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 3, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Lanao del Norte District II Congressman Abdullah “Bobby” Dimaporo blames the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the all-out offensive launched by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) against some members of the MILF headed by Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo.
Dimaporo made the statement during the Peace Summit and Crafting of Peace Covenant in Iligan City on August 30.
The Congressman declared his support to the move of the government to disarm and demobilize the MILF before the peace negotiations with the group are resumed.
The fighting in Lanao del Norte has displaced some 173,804 people, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 10 said, but the government’s response has significantly eased the burden of the evacuees, he added.
Although Dimaporo believes that not all members of the armed group are criminals, he expressed support to the current manhunt operation against Commander Bravo and his followers for the atrocities they committed to the towns of Kolambugan and Kauswagan in Lanao del Norte. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 3, 2008 | Headlines, National News
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo stressed that all peace talks should now be focused within the framework of Disarmament, Demobilization and Rehabilitation (DDR).
According to the President, government will deal with any armed group only under this framework.
She made clear that DDR is a new of showing the direction the government will take for lasting peace and not through the use of arms and force. Any use of force does not entitle them to represent the people but rather are accountable to the people and government for all their actions, the president added.
The government has already sent a notice to the MILF rejecting their cause through arm struggle. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 3, 2008 | Headlines, National News
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is again in Forbes magazine’s “100 Most Powerful Women” for 2008.
Press Secretary Jesus Dureza made this statement saying that the President’s continuing efforts for good governance and her resiliency amid political and economic problems made the international audience view her as a powerful woman.
Executive Sec. Eduardo Ermita, on the other hand, said the President’s determination to push for economic reforms amid destabilization attempts have earned her the distinction of being a strong leader.
The Forbes magazine placed President Arroyo as the 41st most powerful woman in the world, jumping from last year’s 51st spot.
Forbes Magazine said its annual listing of the 100 most powerful women in the world is “based on a power ranking that is the composite of visibility (measured by press citations) and economic impact. (PIA/Bohol)
by anyajulia | Sep 3, 2008 | Headlines, National News
Mindanao leaders of different sect and cultural tribes including the wo provinces of Lanao and the cities of Iligan and Marawi symbolically signed a joint declaration of peace in Mindanao.
The peace covenant was the result of the series of peace dialogues conducted jointly by the Muslim-Christian Multi-Sectoral Movement for Peace and Development in the two Lanao provinces and its cities.
Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Ll. Cruz described the signing of the peace covenant as the first historic event that transpired in Mindanao since the attack of North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte by the lawless MILF group under Commanders Kato and Bravo respectively.
Mayor Cruz said the recent MILF atrocities in the towns of Kolambugan and Kauswagan have not only resulted in the killings of innocent civilians, burning of houses, and destruction of properties, but it also shaken the social fiber of harmony and cooperation among cultural tribes. (PIA/Bohol)
